Catmint — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Nepeta x faassenii |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant divisions or container plants in spring or fall in well-drained, lean to moderately fertile soil in full sun; catmint forms attractive soft mounds of grey-green, aromatic foliage smothered in lavender-blue flower spikes from late spring through early summer, and again in fall after cutting back. It is one of the most reliable, long-blooming, and drought-tolerant perennials for the sunny border, thriving in poor dry soils where other plants fail. Shear the entire plant by one-half after the first flush of bloom fades — typically in early July — and within 3–4 weeks a full second flush of flowers will appear and continue into fall. Note that catmint, like catnip (N. cataria), can attract intense interest from cats; 'Walker's Low' and 'Six Hills Giant' are popular landscape cultivars.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0